Ceredase

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What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking alglucerase (Ceredase)?

Before using alglucerase, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a hormone-related cancer such as prostate cancer. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take alglucerase.

Alglucerase is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Alglucerase may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is alglucerase given (Ceredase)?

Alglucerase is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will most likely receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 2 hours to complete.

Alglucerase is sometimes given 3 times per week at first. Your dosage may be changed to once per week, once every 2 weeks, or once every 4 weks. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your doctor may also prescribe other medications to help prevent an allergic reaction to alglucerase. Take all of your medications as directed.

You may be shown how to use this medicine at home. Do not inject alglucerase yourself if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.

Do not shake the medication vial (bottle). Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you store this medication at home, keep it in the refrigerator and do not allow it to freeze.